The Cook/Lake Index Area is located in the Northeastern part of Minnesota, and has had 85 to 119 lakes surveyed per year between 1994 and 2002. Statistical analysis is ongoing, and has been completed through 2001.
In Summary:
- Loon abundance ranged from 0.9 - 2.4 adult loons per 100 acres of lake surface between 1994-2001 (Fig. 1).
- There are no statistically significant changes in occupancy within any of the six index areas between 1994 and 2001. Occupancy (likelihood of seeing a loon on a lake) was calculated as 43% - 61% within the Cook/Lake index area (Fig. 2), ranking it #5 out of the 6 Index Areas, with only the Kandiyohi Index Area demonstrating lower occupancy.
- Reproductive success was calculated 0.20 - 0.43 juveniles per 2 adult loons in the Cook/Lake index area (Fig. 3), the lowest reproductive success in the 6 Index Areas.
- During the study period, the Cook/Lake Index Area did not exhibit statistically significant increases in Canada Goose abundance, and in fact, no Canada geese were reported within the index area (Fig. 4). The only other Index Area with no Canada Geese is Itasca.
 Figure 1. LOON ABUNDANCE - Adult loons seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Cook/Lake Index Area. |
 Figure 2. LOON OCCUPANCY - Percent of lakes in the Cook/Lake Index Area with any adult loons. |
 Figure 3. LOON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS - Juvenile loons for every two adult loons on a lake within the Cook/Lake Index Area. |
 Figure 4. GOOSE ABUNDANCE - Adult geese seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Cook/Lake Index Area. |
| Year | Total Adult Loons | Total Juvenile Loons | Lakes with Adult Loons | Lakes with Juvenile Loons | Total Adult Canada Geese | Total Juvenile Canada Geese | Total # of Lakes Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 112 | 9 | 38 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 88 |
| 1995 | 164 | 36 | 65 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 119 |
| 1996 | 141 | 12 | 56 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 112 |
| 1997 | 155 | 19 | 59 | 14 | 1 | 2 | 101 |
| 1998 | 149 | 17 | 58 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 97 |
| 1999 | 111 | 12 | 44 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85 |
| 2000 | 130 | 19 | 49 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 90 |
| 2001 | 138 | 19 | 51 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 91 |
| 2002 | 143 | 22 | 55 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 90 |
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteer observers who continue to make the MLMP a success. Without your persistence and hard work, the DNR would be without a means of reporting on the health of our state bird. We and Minnesota's loons appreciate your commitment!
We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Douglas Hawkins, University of Minnesota, for statistical analysis, and Eric Hanson for the initial design and implementation of the MLMP.
Contact Information for the Cook/Lake Index Area
Maya Hamady, Cook/Lake Index Area Coordinator
Minnesota DNR, Nongame Wildlife Program
1201 East Hwy 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218/327-4267
E-mail: [email protected]